Career Opportunities

Studying and working with Lero offers a wealth of possibilities both within Lero and across Ireland’s higher education institutes. It can lead to careers with some of the finest universities in the world and with top global companies. We have collected stories from some of the remarkable researchers who have helped to make Lero so successful and who are at the cutting edge of software research in Ireland and internationally. Learn about where Lero has led them, and where it could take you, by visiting the Lero 15 section of our website.

Calls and positions are advertised on this page and on Lero’s Twitter account but Lero is always open to approaches from excellent candidates. If you are interested in working with one of Lero’s world-class researchers, you can email the relevant person directly at any time with an expression of interest and your CV. Information about Lero members, their research, their universities and their contact details are available on the Meet the Team section of the Lero website. We look forward to hearing from you.

Post-Doctorate / Senior Post-Doctorate in Software Engineering (Software Analysis, Assessment of Software Resilience and Trustworthiness, Security)

Lero, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Position: Post-Doctorate / Senior Post-Doctorate in Software Engineering (Software Analysis, Assessment of Software Resilience and Trustworthiness, Security)

Salary: €38,631 -- €50,030

Start date: As soon as possible

End date: 14 July 2022 [Funding available for 2 years]

Contact point: Dr Takfarinas Saber - takfarinas.saber@ucd.ie

Location: Lero, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Project Description:

The Post-Doctoral / Senior Post-Doctoral position is available in the world-class software research centre Lero and located at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Ireland.

The successful candidate will work in the T-Measure project that develops methods and tools to assess the trustworthiness of software projects. This includes identifying, adapting, developing, and evaluating approaches and tools for the assessment of software systems regarding their trustworthiness – considering attributes like security, privacy, and resilience – for instance by analysing the software architecture, program code and other artefacts.

The project is part of the industry-funded program TREES (6M€, 4 years) which is focused on building software systems in a trustworthy, responsible, and efficient manner. This is embedded in recently secured substantial funding for the Lero centre for the next 5 years, which will offer additional opportunities for the long-term development of a successful candidate. One of the main benefits of the position and research in Lero is access to and collaboration with a large group of researchers from a large spectrum of software-related research topics.

The position is open for candidates with a PhD in software engineering and related areas (e.g., software security, privacy, safety, reliability, availability, or resilience) and a demonstrated commitment to research and publications. The position will initially be offered until 14 July 2022 with a potential to be extended to 2 years. Furthermore, following this position, the candidate will be able to progress to a potential research fellow position within Lero.

The successful candidate will be expected to start the appointment as soon as possible, conduct research of top-quality level in collaboration with Dr Takfarinas Saber (Lero, University College Dublin) and Prof. Goetz Botterweck (Lero, Trinity College Dublin), and target publications in top Software Engineering conferences and journals.

If you fit the criteria and are keen to develop your career in a world-class software research centre of excellence, do not hesitate to get in touch or apply to the position.

Informal enquiries: Feel free to contact Dr Takfarinas Saber - takfarinas.saber@ucd.ie

How to apply: Please submit your application by visiting https://www.ucd.ie/workatucd/jobs/ , External Applicants, and search for job reference 013106.

Closing date: 17:00hrs (Irish time!) on 07/04/2021.

Fully funded Masters:- Embedded systems and Robotics

IMaR Research Centre, MTU, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

The Munster technology university- Tralee has established a world-class research centre in the area of Intelligent Mechatronics and Radio-frequency identification (RFID), i.e. The Intelligent Mechatronics and RFID Centre [The IMaR Centre].

The principal theme of the IMaR Research Centre is the synergy between mechatronics, Sensors, RFID, Internet of Things (IoT) and Data Analytics for industrial applications driven by new technology, innovation and global demand. IMaR consists of two research strands Intelligent Mechatronics and Industrial IoT & Data Analytics both focused on the delivery of a wide range of automation, identification and manufacturing services. The overall mission of the IMaR Centre is to be industries partner of choice for the provision of innovative applied research. The IMaR Centre will serve a cross section of industries including Automotive, Telecommunications, Pharmaceutical, Production / Manufacturing, Retail, Aeronautical, Environmental, healthcare and Agri-business.

The centre is core funded by Enterprise Ireland and houses state-of-the-art research facilities. The overall mission of the IMaR Centre is to be industries partner of choice for the provision of innovative applied research. The IMaR Centre will serve a cross section of industries including Automotive, Telecommunications, Pharmaceutical, Production / Manufacturing, Aeronautical, Environmental, healthcare and Agri-business. IMaR is also a member of Lero:- The Irish software research centre and CONFIRM – Smart Manufacturing Research Centre.

Position: We are looking for a highly motivated, Masters student to join the research team at IMaR. The successful candidate will collaboratively work and contribute to a cutting-edge research project in Robotics and sensor fusion/integration for AgriTech domain.

Minimum Qualification

Degree in Computer Science/ Engineering or equivalent

Job Requirements/ Experience/ Skills
We are particularly seeking a person who possesses the following attributes/ skills:

Good programming skills are mandatory
Hands on experience in C/C++ or python
Hands on knowledge of embedded systems.
Hands on knowledge of sensor integration.
Knowledge of of PCB layout and schematic capture packages.
Good organizational skills and Team player.
Exposure to modern development technologies, frameworks & patterns.
Experience and the discipline of working within a fast-paced test-driven environment.

Desirable Skills

Excellent knowledge of Agriculture and especially Dairying.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes & instrumentation.
Be imaginative and persistent and have the ability to communicate clearly.
Be logical and technically minded and possesses strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (both verbal and written).
Ability to work on own initiative, in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, an ability to understand complex problems and generate appropriate pragmatic technical solutions.
Constantly promote awareness of best industry practices, providing company training as required.
Energetic and eager to learn and implement new technologies when required.
Focused on keeping your knowledge up to date.

Duration of Contract

18 months

Funding

The funding is approved around 24,000 euro per annum( fees + stipend)
All the resources required for the project.

Location

The position will be based at our industry partner near Tralee, Kerry Ireland.

Application Procedure

All applications must be made online at www.ittralee.ie

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries ONLY may be addressed to Anshul Awasthi, email: anshul.awasthi@staff.ittralee.ie

Fully funded Masters:- Mechatronics

IMaR Research Centre, MTU, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Minimum Qualification

Degree in Computer Science/ Engineering or equivalent

Job Requirements/ Experience/ Skills
We are particularly seeking a person who possesses the following attributes/ skills:

Hand on Experience in 3D CAD( Autodesk inventor or similar).
Experience in 3D printing.
Experience in electro-mechanical integration.
Good organizational skills and Team player.
Exposure to modern development technologies, frameworks & patterns.
Experience and the discipline of working within a fast-paced test-driven environment.

Desirable Skills

Excellent knowledge of Agriculture and especially Dairying.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes & instrumentation.
Be imaginative and persistent and have the ability to communicate clearly.
Be logical and technically minded and possesses strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (both verbal and written).
Ability to work on own initiative, in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, an ability to understand complex problems and generate appropriate pragmatic technical solutions.
Energetic and eager to learn and implement new technologies when required.
Focused on keeping your knowledge up to date.

Duration of Contract

18 months

Funding

The funding is approved around 24,000 euro per annum( fees + stipend)
All the resources required for the project.

Application Procedure

All applications must be made online at www.ittralee.ie

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries ONLY may be addressed to Anshul Awasthi, email: anshul.awasthi@staff.ittralee.ie

Fully funded PhD:- Vision system/Sensor fusion-Robotics.

IMaR Research Centre, MTU, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Position: We are looking for a highly motivated, PhD student to join the research team at IMaR. The successful candidate will collaboratively work and contribute to a cutting-edge research project in vision systems and sensor fusion for AgriTech domain.

Minimum Qualification

Degree in Computer Science/ Engineering or equivalent
MSc desirable

Job Requirements/ Experience/ Skills
We are particularly seeking a person who possesses the following attributes/ skills:

Good programming skills are mandatory
Hands on experience in C/C++ or python
Hand on experience in vision systems or sensor fusion.
Knowledge in Machine learning
Good organizational skills and Team player.
Exposure to modern development technologies, frameworks & patterns.
Experience and the discipline of working within a fast-paced test-driven environment.

Desirable Skills

Industry experience in vision systems will be a bonus.
Knowledge of Agriculture and especially Dairying.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes & instrumentation.
Be imaginative and persistent and have the ability to communicate clearly.
Be logical and technically minded and possesses strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (both verbal and written).
Ability to work on own initiative, in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, an ability to understand complex problems and generate appropriate pragmatic technical solutions.
Constantly promote awareness of best industry practices, providing company training as required.
Energetic and eager to learn and implement new technologies when required.
Focused on keeping your knowledge up to date.

Duration of Contract

2 + 1 years

Funding

The funding is approved around 24,000 euro per annum( fees + stipend)
All the resources required for the project.

Application Procedure

All applications must be made online at www.ittralee.ie

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries ONLY may be addressed to Anshul Awasthi, email: anshul.awasthi@staff.ittralee.ie

Researcher Agumented Reality

IMaR Research Centre, MTU, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Position:
We are looking for a highly motivated, reserarcher to join the research team at IMaR. The successful candidate will collaboratively work and contribute to a cutting-edge research project in the AgriTech domain.

Minimum Qualification

Degree in Computer Science/ Engineering or equivalent
MSc desirable

Skills
We are particularly seeking a person who possesses the following attributes/ skills:

Minimum 2 year of experience in VR/AR domain.
Good programming skills are mandatory
Minimum one the languages, e.g. C, C++, C#, java.
Hands-on experience of working with AR
Knowledge in Machine learning
Hands-on experience with game development engines, like Unreal , unity,CryEngine ,e.t.c .
Knowledge/experience in planning, designing and implementing features that focus on user interactions using one of the above development tools.
Knowledge/Understanding of applying AR approaches for improved customer experience
Knowledge/experience in understanding customer requirements and ensuring they are translated into an immersive and interactive customer and user experience
Strong interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (both verbal and written)
Demonstrated experience and capability of working in close co-operation with stakeholders
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to understand complex problems and generate appropriate pragmatic technical solutions.

Desirable Skills

Hands on experience with Microsoft hololens will be a bonus
Background in mathematics
Experience in leading team
Track record of paper publishing.
Experience in 3D modelling/ UI/ VFX/Animation will be a bonus
Understanding UX design process and experience working with UX design teams

Duration of Contract

This position is initially for a fixed-term 24 month month contract.

Salary

A salary will dependant on the candidates experience and qualifications.

Location

This post is located at the Munster technology university, Tralee and involves regular visits to industrial partners in the region and academic partners nationally and internationally. Tralee is situated in the South West of Ireland in County Kerry – an area world-famous for its natural beauty and quality of life and the location of many hightech indigenous and multi-national organisations.

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries ONLY may be addressed to Anshul Awasthi, email: anshul.awasthi@staff.ittralee.ie

Researcher:- Near Infrared Spectroscopy / Vision system

IMaR Research Centre, MTU, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Position:
We are looking for a highly motivated, researcher to join the research team at IMaR. The successful candidate will collaboratively work and contribute to a cutting-edge research project in vision systems and sensor fusion for AgriTech domain.

Minimum Qualification

Degree in Computer Science/ Engineering or equivalent
MSc desirable

Job Requirements/ Experience/ Skills
We are particularly seeking a person who possesses the following attributes/ skills:

Hands on experience in vision systems
Good programming skills are mandatory
Hand on experience in C/C++ or python
Knowledge in Machine learning
Good organizational skills and Team player.
Exposure to modern development technologies, frameworks & patterns.
Experience and the discipline of working within a fast-paced test-driven environment..

Desirable Skills

Hands on experience with NIR
Industry experience in vision systems will be a bonus.
Knowledge of Agriculture and especially Dairying.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes & instrumentation.
Be imaginative and persistent and have the ability to communicate clearly.
Be logical and technically minded and possesses strong problem-solving skills.
Excellent interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (both verbal and written).
Ability to work on own initiative, in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, an ability to understand complex problems and generate appropriate pragmatic technical solutions.
Constantly promote awareness of best industry practices, providing company training as required.
Energetic and eager to learn and implement new technologies when required.
Focused on keeping your knowledge up to date.

Duration of Contract

This position is initially for a fixed-term 24 month month contract.

Salary

A salary will dependant on the candidates experience and qualifications.

Application Procedure

All applications must be made online at www.ittralee.ie

Informal Enquiries

Informal enquiries ONLY may be addressed to Anshul Awasthi, email: anshul.awasthi@staff.ittralee.ie

Post Doctoral Researcher in Open Source Software (2 positions)

Lero, University of Limerick, Ireland

Post Doctoral Researcher in Open Source Software (2 positions) – Specific Purpose Contract | EURAXESS (europa.eu)

Qualifications

A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Software Engineering, Computer Science or a similar closely related discipline (or alternatively, that evidence is supplied that all requirements for a PhD have been fulfilled and that the applicant is pending graduation).

Overall purpose of the job:
In spite of the popularity of Open Source and tens of millions of developers working on millions of OSS projects across the globe, the specifics of OSS project governance and developer on boarding has remained mostly ad-hoc. The Post Doctoral Researcher appointed to this role will work on this research project to seek and establish a set of guidelines or best-practices for OSS project governance to help with the acquisition of new developers and the retention and promotion of existing contributors, and also ascertain how an interested developer would typically transition to become a core member in an OSS project. In terms of implementing the guidelines, the Post Doctoral Researcher will also investigate the possibility of developing a “bot” which could help in guiding newcomers and notifying project maintainers of any relevant updates.

Description:

Essential Criteria

A doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in Software Engineering, Computer Science or a similar closely related discipline (or alternatively, that evidence is supplied that all requirements for a PhD have been fulfilled and that the applicant is pending graduation).
A minimum of 1 year’s post graduate experience in mining and analysing software projects/ecosystems and working with large archival datasets such as World of Code/Software Heritage.
Demonstrated experience in open source software.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

Evidence of publications in appropriate conferences and journals.
Experience in Empirical Software Engineering research.
Evidence of familiarity with various machine learning techniques.
Experience in tool design.
Evidence of GitHub bot design knowledge.

Application Procedure

All applications must be made online at www.ul.ie/hr

Deadline

4th June, 2021

Post Doctorate Researcher for the RSRC

Dundalk Institute of Technology, Ireland

Lero EPE Program Manager

University of Limerick, Ireland

TITLE OF POST: Lero EPE Program Manager
LOCATION: University of Limerick
REPORTS TO: General Manager - Lero
CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose
SALARY SCALE: €58,579 – €93,238 p.a. pro rata

This position is subject to Garda Vetting and Foreign Police Clearance. If you have resided outside Ireland for a cumulative period of 36 months or more over the age of 18 years you must furnish a Foreign Police Clearance (FPC) from the country or countries of residence. Please note; any costs incurred in this process will be borne by the candidate.

JOB DESCRIPTION

1. Job Purpose
Lero has had considerable success in securing research funding to date, with over €100M awarded to Lero researchers since Lero’s establishment in 2005.

Funding comes from a variety of sources, including SFI, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Research Council, the European Commission, the European Space Agency and industry partners. In November 2020 SFI renewed its commitment to funding the Centre for an additional six years beginning Jan 2021.

The Lero EPE Program Manager (PM) will manage a portfolio of projects, encompassing the Lero Education and Public Engagement Program and Lero EPE Research Program over a six-year period. The person will have excellent project management skills and strong communication skills. They will engage with a distributed ecosystem of Lero researchers including PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and academics in collaboration with a central operations team. The EPE PM will successfully develop a high level strategy for both the EPE Program and the EPE Research Program developing and delivering project plans within each program according to the defined project scope, schedule and budget. They will utilise creative thinking, strong communication, analytical and project management skills to ensure successful delivery of Lero’s EPE Research Program.

2. Key Accountabilities
Reporting to the Lero General Manager, and working with Lero researchers, the Program Manager will:

Develop the EPE Strategy and the EPE Research Strategy in collaboration with GM and Lero directors.
Develop and implement project plans in conjunction with Lero members, industry partners and stakeholders, to deliver projects within each program according to the defined project scope, schedule and budget.
Manage project timelines, monitor critical path activities and anticipate/mitigate roadblocks to meeting deliverable deadlines.
Manage changes in project scope and deliverables.
Organise and facilitate meetings, documenting project status and issues.
Manage and implement recruitment plans for relevant projects.
Line management responsibilities as necessary.
Ensure all stakeholders’ needs are understood and met.
Proactively communicate with both internal team members and external stakeholders.
Provide regular reports and deliver presentations to Lero executive, Lero governance, Lero advisory and Lero reviewers.

3a Key Working Relationships & Contacts
Key Working Relationships within Lero (across 11 HEIs)

Reporting to Lero General Manager, the post holder will work closely with Lero management & operational team, in particular the Centre Manager, the Business Development Manager, the Communications Manager and the Funding Manager.
The post holder with work closely with Lero researchers located across all Lero sites.

Key Working Relationships outside Lero

Liaise with other universities, funding agencies and industrial partners to ensure required documentation is, complete, accurate and filed on time with funding and governmental agencies.

3b Working Environment/Special Circumstances
The role will require regular travel between the Lero academic partners.

3c Job Boundaries

Plans and prioritises own work, with reference to line managers, colleagues, and external partners.
Develops/delivers on project plans, milestones and KPIs.
Gathers relevant information. Solves problems, makes decisions independently within own area of responsibility, or in conjunction with other team members.
Understands and can align own work to the goals and objectives of Lero.
Manages the program budget and satisfies funding body reporting requirements.

4. Dimensions - Budget, Staff, Customer, Operational, Administrative

Manage the EPE budget and prioritise spending of €727,961 over 6 years.
Manage EPE research projects, budgets and staff as necessary.
Obtain additional support/sponsorship/funding through competitive funding calls.
Support Lero partners and funding bodies in EPE related activities.

5. Knowledge, Functional Skills, Experience & Qualifications

Requirement	Essential/Desirable
Knowledge
Exceptional project management skills with a proven track record in managing multi-stakeholder projects.	Essential
Knowledge and understanding of public engagement.	Essential
Knowledge and understanding of the Irish education system at primary, post-primary and third level.	Essential
Knowledge of software research, and computer science education research.	Essential
Knowledge of national and international computer science curricula.	Desirable
Demonstrated ability to create, design and deliver innovative events or activities targeting a wide range of audiences.	Desirable
Functional/Work-based Skills
Strong people skills and networking experience with the ability to forge long term strategic relationships and multi-disciplinary partnerships.	Essential
Demonstrated ability to work across organisational boundaries, achieving results through influencing skills and collaboration.	Essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with a demonstrable ability to advocate and foster engagement across a range of audiences.	Essential
Experience
Minimum 10+ years’ experience of working at a project management level in a target driven environment.	Essential
Demonstrable experience in dealing with key stakeholders within the higher education sector and/or with key external industrial stakeholders.	Essential
Demonstrable experience in organising public engagement/outreach events and activities.	Essential
Evidence of success in securing competitive funding leading to the establishment of team based research activity	Essential
A developing relevant publication record in the field of software education or computer science education.	Desirable
Qualifications
A third level degree (level 8 NFQ or higher) in a technical, education, business or relevant discipline.	Essential
Doctoral degree (level 10 NFQ) in computer or software engineering.	Desirable

Behavioural Competencies

	Enablers of Success	Level
Customer Focus	Consistently looks for opportunities to improve the business area. Develops and implements customer standards and plans to achieve the highest possible standards of service excellence.	5
Planning & Organising	Responsibility for the development of a strategic plan for own area, which contributes to the overall Lero strategic plan. Secures and makes best use of resources to manage fluctuating demands. Responsibility for the design and planning of key projects. Is focused on value for money. Demonstrates attention to detail. Adjust project plan deliverables and timelines as required.	5
Using Initiative, Achieving Goals	Is responsible for setting and meeting challenging goals and objectives. Monitor levels of participation in programs from year to year and project targets/goals for future years.	5
Decision Making & Problem Solving	Analyses situations at both a strategic and operational level. Identifies the key issues, and solutions. Acts decisively with sound judgment.	5
Effective Communication	Able to effectively present to and facilitate influential groups either within the University or externally. Influences outcomes. As a senior role within Lero, sets the appropriate tone for the role and effectively liaises with internal and external stakeholders. Communicate the need for financial support/sponsorship confidently and clearly and persuasively to funding bodies and future potential partners.	5
Team & Collaborative working	Leads a cohesive team approach by promoting the importance of working both within and across departments and locations to achieve team and wider Lero strategic objectives.	5
Effective Networking and Relationships	Builds and expands networks and coalitions, to achieve both operational and strategic goals and to develop opportunities that may be of relevance to Lero.	5
Innovation & Creative Thinking	Identifies gaps against best practice (nationally & internationally). Puts forward proposals and develops strategic implementation plans to introduce new and improved ways of operating.	5
Change, Adaptability and Flexibility	Leads change projects that have an important strategic impact on the research Centre. Effectively plans for and manages their implementation.	5
Leadership	Leads by example at individual, team and peer level. Demonstrates suitable people management styles in order to motivate and manage performance effectively. Communicates the vision. Sets strategic direction for own part of the business ensuring buy in to the decision making process and commitment to decisions made.	5
Continuous Development	Leads continuous professional and personal development in support of the division/department/team, area and the University overall.	5
Thinking & Acting Strategically	Develops and manages the implementation of plans for own department/area. Contributes actively to Lero strategy. Develops strategy EPE and EPE Research program over a 6-year period that is aligned with the overall Lero strategy and adjusted accordingly as things change over the 6-year period. Ensures the EPE Research program and EPE activities and events are aligned with government policies and procedures.	5

Further Information for Candidates:

Recruitment Procedures used at the University of Limerick (UL)
The University of Limerick is committed to the Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R) of Researchers as detailed in our Recruitment/Appointment Procedures for Research Staff.

The University of Limerick generally uses a three stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.

Screening: Initially applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants have met the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. Only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ will progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board for this position may review the applications which have passed screening and will select a final shortlist of candidates who in their view were most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least one week’s notice to all candidates. The interview process may take the format of a standard interview and may also include a presentation – if so, you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter. Candidates may interview in person or also via our Video Conferencing facilities.

General Recruitment Timelines
Please note that applications for all vacancies must be submitted online at www.ul.ie/hrvacancies in advance of 12 noon Irish Standard Time on the advertised closing date. We aim to complete the screening process within one week of the closing date, and the shortlisting process within a further week. Therefore we aim to be in touch with all candidates within one month of the closing date.

Please note these timelines may vary based on various factors including the number of applications received.

Benefits at the University of Limerick
Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including:

Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme.
Membership of the Income Continuance Plan
The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.
Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme.
Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.
Preferential rates for home, car, travel and health insurances.
Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.
Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.
Supported professional development under the Further Study Policy.

Equal opportunities at the University of Limerick
The University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer, is committed to selection on merit and to the developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment, which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about this in the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy

The UL strategic plan Broadening Horizons 2015-2019 clearly states that UL seeks to exemplify gender equality best practice in all aspects of its activities, reinforcing UL’s position as the leading university in Ireland in terms of female representation in senior academic roles, 31% of women in UL are at full professorial level, compared to the national average of 19%.

UL is the proud holder of the prestigious Bronze Institution Athena SWAN Award, the first university in Ireland with Trinity College, Dublin to achieve the award. The AS charter recognises higher education institutions, academic departments, and research institutes that put in place initiatives to address gender inequality, including initiatives aimed at changing culture and attitudes. The UL strategy explicitly commits the institution to the Athena SWAN process. Further details available on https://www.ul.ie/equality-diversity/athena-swan.

Development opportunities at the University of Limerick
A key objective of the University's Strategic Plan 2015-2019 is to support staff development. In the context of this objective the University is committed to progressive development programmes and opportunities to enable all employees to fully develop their potential. Further information is available here. The University of Limerick is also has a ‘Performance and Development Review System’ which employees may avail of.

Additional Links
Link to Human Resources: www.ul.ie/hr/
Link to the University of Limerick’s Research Staff Role Profiles
Link to the University of Limerick’s Strategic Plan; ‘Broadening Horizons’

Fully Funded PhDs - Human Computer Interaction/Psychology

University College Cork, Ireland

Funding Details
These full-time PhD positions are funded for up to 4 years including a stipend of €18,500 per annum. The funding will cover fees at the rate for EU students, as well as travel and research costs.

Position
Two PhD studentships available on a multidisciplinary (Psychology, Computing, HCI) project investigating deepfake technology.

In recent years, there have been rapid developments in ‘deepfake’ software. Using AI, these programmes allow the creation of highly-realistic synthetic video and audio. While this has positive applications (e.g. allowing an individual to speak with their own voice if they have lost it through illness), there may also be extremely harmful effects on privacy (e.g., non-consensual ‘designer porn’), democracy, and trust in institutions (via misinformation, and fake news). This project will be amongst the first to investigate the responsible use of deepfake technology – quantifying potential benefits and harms, and developing strategies to limit negative impacts.

Both PhD students will be based in University College Cork, under the supervision of Dr Gillian Murphy & Dr Conor Linehan (School of Applied Psychology), as well as Dr Mike Quayle (University of Limerick) and Dr Matthew Aylett (Cereproc/University of Edinburgh). This project is funded by Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre (https://lero.ie/) and the students will have the opportunity to work with other members of Lero and avail of Lero/Science Foundation Ireland training opportunities.

PhD Project 1:
Quantifying & reducing the harms of deepfakes to memory, belief & behaviour.

Project Objectives:

1.1 To review prior research on doctored media and misinformation.
1.2 To identify individual, situational, and social factors that influence the effectiveness of deepfake misinformation.
1.3 To assess deepfake misinformation across a range of Lero application domains (health & wellbeing, gov-tech, etc.).
1.4 To test evidence-based interventions to reduce the potential harms caused by deepfake software.
1.5 To formulate guidelines to reduce misinformation harms caused by deepfake media.

Student Profile:
The desired applicant will have at least an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, or a related discipline. The applicant will have knowledge and interest in experimental design, ethics management and human-centred research. Experience with programming or software development would be an advantage but is not essential.

PhD Project 2:
Understanding socio-technical interests and concerns in deepfake media

Project Objectives:

2.1 To review and synthesise scholarship from a range of interested disciplines (e.g., Information Systems, Computer Science, Law, Sociology, Philosophy, Media, and Psychology) to understand the individual, organisational and societal interests and concerns in deepfake media.
2.2 To work with a wide range of relevant stakeholders (end users, interest groups, developers, platforms, and regulators) to project future implications of deepfake software.
2.3 To establish a set of ethical standards for deepfake use.
2.4 To test recommendations made by stakeholders to assess whether those recommendations reduce concerns or harms associated with deepfake software.
2.5 To formulate socio-technical guidelines for the responsible development and consumption of deepfake media.

Student Profile:
The desired applicant will have at least an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, human-computer interaction, computer science, interactive media, or a related discipline. The applicant will have knowledge and interest in qualitative research, software design, and ethics management. Experience with programming or software development would be an advantage but is not essential.

Deadline:
Please apply by August 23rd by emailing Dr Gillian Murphy (Gillian.murphy@ucc.ie) with: A cover letter outlining any relevant experience and your reasons for wanting to join the research team A Curriculum Vitae including your education history, courses, awards and skills (in English and inclusive of grades). There is no need to include references at this stage, they will be requested later. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview, with an intended start date of October 1st 2021.

Informal enquiries about the posts can be made by email to Dr Gillian Murphy (Gillian.murphy@ucc.ie)

Meet some of Lero’s current and previous researchers.